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Resolving conflict in your relationship

No matter how much a couple loves each other, a brain tumour diagnosis can put a lot of extra stress on their relationship.

Living with some of the everyday effects caused by a brain tumour or its treatment is enough to make anybody more argumentative. For carers and partners though, these arguments can often lead to feeling like their help isn’t appreciated.

Other effects, like personality changes or depression, can even cause someone to behave in an upsetting way without realising it. Many carers and partners say that sometimes it can seem like their partner is a completely different person.

Whether you’re living with a brain tumour or your partner is, coping with these additional arguments can be difficult. Especially if either of you is finding it hard to talk about your feelings.

Ultimately, communication is vital for resolving conflict in a relationship. But this can take plenty of practice and patience from both partners.

You don’t need to go through this alone though. Relate offer a wide range of content to help people experiencing relationship difficulties.

We know that, sadly, some people in our community have seen changes in their loved ones that have led to them being violent or aggressive, although this is rare. 

These changes can seem even more worrying in the current situation, but it’s important to remember that if this is something you’re experiencing, your safety is paramount and the current social distancing (or isolation) rules don’t apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic violence.

If you feel you’re at risk of abuse, remember there’s help and support available, including police response, online support, helplines, refuges and other services.

You are not alone!

Find out more

This content has been created in partnership with Relate, the leading relationships charity in England and Wales. If you found this information useful, you might also find the following resources by Relate interesting:

This content has been created in partnership with Relate – the leading relationships charity in England and Wales.

A member of our Support & Information Team provides support over the phone to somebody affected by a brain tumour diagnosis

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If you need someone to talk to or advice on where to get help, our Support and Information team is available by phone, email or live-chat.